張
zhāng
stretch, extend, expand; sheet; 26th lunar mansion
Meaning
- Physical extension involving the application of tension: drawing a bowstring; pitching or spreading flexible materials such as nets, curtains, tents, or canopies.
- Abstract expansion: exaggeration (stretching the truth) or vigorous advocacy/promotion of a position or theory.
- Nominal/Classifier use: used for flat or wide objects (e.g., beds, tables, pieces of paper, bows); may function as a noun meaning "sheet."
- Proper nouns: common surname; specifically in astronomy, the 26th lunar mansion ($\upsilon^1$ Hydrae).
Grammar and usage
- Primarily functions as a transitive verb (to stretch something).
- Can be used statively to describe a condition of being tense or stretched.
- Functions as a classifier for flat, wide, or stretched objects.
Distinctions
- 張 vs. 伸 (shēn): 張 implies the application of force to pull something taut; 伸 denotes straightening or lengthening.
- 張 vs. 展 (zhǎn): 張 requires tension to pull flexible material into a taut state; 展 refers to unfolding something that was previously folded (e.g., a scroll).
History and forms
- Simplified variant: 张.
Graphical notes
- Early manuscripts may exhibit variations in the rendering of the 長 component; these are graphical and do not alter the meaning.
Translator notes
- In astrological or calendrical contexts, when referring to the 26th lunar mansion, this is a proper name and should not be translated as "stretch" or "expand."
Decontextualized translator aid. This page describes plausible lexical range; it does not choose what the glyph means in a particular passage.